Paraguay striker Enciso ruled out of World Cup opener with injury in 2026

Paraguay forward Julio Enciso suffered an injury during a warm-up match, casting doubt on his World Cup debut against the USA.

Injury during warm-up Paraguay’s hopes for striker Julio Enciso at the World Cup took a hit after he was forced off with an injury in the final preparation game. The 22-year-old attacker was carried from the field on a stretcher in the 25th minute of Paraguay’s 4-0 friendly victory over Nicaragua. The match was a high-scoring affair, but the moment overshadowed Paraguay’s preparation. His removal left teammates and fans concerned about his fitness ahead of the tournament. ## World Cup opener at risk The South American side’s opening World Cup fixture is set for Saturday, with Enciso’s availability in serious doubt. Paraguay will face the host nation, the United States, in Los Angeles to kick off their campaign. Manager Gustavo Alfaro has made it clear that he wants Enciso involved in the match if possible. The team last competed in the World Cup finals back in 2010, adding pressure to field their best lineup. ## Coach’s assessment of injury Alfaro shared his initial thoughts on Enciso’s condition after the incident, expressing cautious optimism. He said, "Hopefully it's nothing serious and just the result of an impact, and that we can keep him and get him back to full fitness." The coach went on to explain the nature of the injury, detailing how it affected multiple areas. He noted, "He suffered a double injury: first to his side and then to his lower back, which affected his quadriceps. He got scared and he had to come off." ## Enciso’s recent performances The forward has been a key figure for Paraguay during their qualification matches, contributing directly to their progress. He scored three goals and provided two assists across the qualifying campaign. His impact has extended to club level as well, where he netted 12 goals in his first season at Strasbourg. Enciso made the move from Brighton to Strasbourg in September, continuing his development in European football. ## Tournament details The 2026 World Cup is on the horizon, with Paraguay set to begin their campaign early in the tournament. Fans can follow fixtures and group standings to track their progress. Broadcast details will be available for those looking to watch the matches live. The tournament promises to be a major event with global coverage.